This enormous, jet-black beetle is the size of a horse. Its large mandibles clack together in agitation as it lets out a high-pitched hiss.

A giant scarab beetle is a rightfully feared predator of the waste. It can tear the flesh off a victim in a matter of seconds, and it often surprises those wandering above its lair before they can defend themselves. Giant scarab beetles are highly aggressive and attack even when not hungry or provoked.

A giant scarab beetle usually waits beneath the sand until prey passes overhead, then bursts from hiding and grabs the closest opponent with its powerful jaws.

Desiccate (Ex): A giant scarab beetle can reduce a victim to nothing in mere seconds. Any living creature struck by a giant scarab beetle’s bite attack must make a DC 16 Fortitude save or take 1d6 points of Constitutiondamage. A creature reduced to 0 Constitution by the scarab beetle is consumed completely. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a giant scarab beetle must hit Huge or smaller opponent with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and automatically deals bite damage each round it maintains the grapple. A grappled foe is also subjected to the giant scarab beetle’s desiccate attack each round.